Cozumel, located 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean, measuring 28 miles long by an average of 9 miles wide. Cozumel quickly became a preferred destination of underwater dive enthusiasts after French underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau’s publicized visit to the island in 1960. In 2004, approximately 4.5 million tourists visited the island, the vast majority of who were cruise ship passengers.

There are more than 300 restaurants on the island and many hotels, some of which run dive operations, have swimming pools, private docks, and multiple dining facilities. At the cruise ship docks there are several square blocks of stores selling Cuban cigars, jewelry, t-shirts, tequila, and a large variety of souvenirs. In down town Cozumel are several discothèques, bars, cinemas, stages and restaurants. The main plaza includes a fixed stage where locals and tourists celebrate the Sunday evening with a dance into the night.

Cozumel is famed for its beaches and coral reef. Other water activities include para-sailing, kite surfing, and a tourist submarine. There are also two dolphin aquariums.